Degree Levels

Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Education Resource

A bachelor’s of education degree from accredited schools and universities prepares a student for a wide range of jobs and careers in the field of education. From a practical standpoint, a bachelor’s degree in education gives a graduate the ability to apply for a teaching certificate. Most teachers have a bachelor’s degree in education from a teacher preparation program at a college or university.

Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s in Education

Education degrees prepare a graduate for a rewarding career helping children acquire the knowledge and skills they’ll need to succeed in life. Along with traditional teaching jobs, those who earn a BS or BA in education can expect to find careers in other educational roles, such as in the non-profit sector.

Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Education Degree Program

While specific requirements vary, typically a candidate will need to have at least a 2.0 high school GPA or higher and passing scores on a basic skills test like the PRAXIS I or a state skills test. Other requirement may include an entrance essay, letters of recommendation, and an in-person interview.

Coursework for a BA in Education

A bachelor’s degree in teaching or education will require a combination of coursework in general liberal arts and science subjects and higher level courses on education topics that will build a foundation for success in a teaching career. If the degree program is focused on preparing individuals to teach a specific subject, courses will focus heavily on that subject area. Most education degree programs also require a student-teaching internship to be completed.

Some examples of courses that can be found in a bachelor’s in education degree program include:

Foundations in Education

Child Development

Early Language and Literacy

Effective Teaching Skills & Classroom Management

Assessment of Young Children

Engaging the Learner

Play as Pedagogy

Children with Special Needs

Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction

Instructional Technology in Education

Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics

Science for Early Learners

Literature for Children and Young Adolescents

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Aspiring teachers may also want to consider pursuing their bachelor’s degree in education online. Online bachelor’s degree programs afford the student a great deal of flexibility, because they can be completed almost anywhere, at a person’s own pace. New technology allows for students to view live video lectures and interact with instructors and students through video conferencing. Some programs also feature social technologies that allow students to interact and collaborate with classmates through an online community site or virtual environment that simultaneously improves technology skills that are essential for the future classroom. Not every bachelor’s in education is approved for initial teacher licensure so it is important to check with your state’s department of education.

Earning a Teacher Certification

Once graduates complete their programs and earn bachelor’s degrees in education, they will be eligible for a teaching certificate in the area chosen (if the program is for initial teaching licensure). For example, a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, Elementary Education, will typically enable the teacher to teach grades K-9 in most states if all the state requirements are met such as required exams and background checks. Further endorsements, such as middle school endorsements, are available with the completion of specific coursework. These endorsements dictate what subject or grade level a teacher is eligible to teach. Additionally, the state test scores will certify that a teacher is NCLB qualified to teach certain subject areas. See our teacher certification by state for more information on requirements for certification.

Teaching and Education Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions about a Bachelor’s in Education

Question: What states have teacher shortages?

Answer: Many states across the south and west of the US are experiencing teacher shortages. These include Kansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Idaho, Missouri, Maryland, Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Florida. In some of the states, specific areas are in need of teachers.

Question: What education do you need to be a teacher?

Answer: To be a teacher in any state in the U.S., you must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed a teacher preparation program at a college or university. Each state’s specific requirements for getting a certificate vary, but these are the minimum. Some states may require a master’s degree as well.

Question: What are the job requirements for a teacher?

Answer: Requirements for becoming a teacher vary by state. At a minimum, to receive a certificate in each state, you must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed a teacher preparation program. States also require that you pass certain tests before getting a certificate. You will also have to pass a criminal background check before you can work as a teacher.

Question: What degree do you need to be a teacher?

Answer: The process for teacher certification and the requirements vary by state. However, every state requires a bachelor’s degree and the completion of a teacher preparation program at a minimum. Some states may also require a master’s degree for professional certification.

Question: How long does it take to become a teacher?

Answer: The requirements for being a teacher vary by state, but all require a bachelor’s degree and a coursework that includes education training. It is possible to do both within a normal four-year timeline. If you have bachelor’s degree that is not in education, you will need to do additional work to get the education coursework in, which can take up to two years.